FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM- ABSENTEE VOTING

Added August 27, 2018

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) reminds military and overseas citizens to vote their ballot as soon as possible and to follow up to ensure that that their ballot is received by their election office.

Marine Corps Mobile App

Added July 16, 2018

The United States Marine Corps has landed on mobile devices with its official application, Marines Mobile, which puts the story of the Corps in the hands of users. The free app is designed for anyone, who wants access to: news, press releases, videos, photos, Marine administrative messages, directives and orders and a social pulse which combines official social media feeds from Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and Twitter all found under one icon.

Marine Corps Recruiters Work 7 Days A Week

Help Us Give Them A Day With Their Family

Added July 13, 2018

Marines often work odd and long hours. For the most part, the Marines that come to mind are Drill Instructors or Marines deployed, and rightfully so. However, often lost in the shuffle are Marine Corps Recruiters. Recruiters spend a large amount of time away from their families conducting poolee functions, driving poolees to and from MEPS, and filling out paperwork. Recruiters work long hours seven days a week and do not get to spend much time with their families.

MarineParents.com is holding a fundraiser to give a group of Marine Corps recruiters and Marines who work in the recruiting offices from the New York city area a break from their duties by sending them to Six Flags in mid July to spend some much needed time with their family members.

Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS)

Added July 12, 2018

The Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) is an identification authentication and force protection tool that is fully operational on military bases throughout the world. Starting July 9, 2018 DBIDS will be integrated to select military installations. Not all installations will integrate at the same time so it is important to check the base website prior to visiting the base.

A Place to Connect & Share®

Added May 30, 2018

Join an Official Facebook Group of MarineParents.com. We've been supporting Marines and their family members across the nation since 2003. You've found folks that understand where you are. You've found your Marine Corps family and a Place to Connect & Share®.

MarineParents.com took on this extreme restoration project to support 94 year old WWII Marine Combat Veteran, Larry Diggs. We raised over $12,000, recruited 120 volunteers from Veterans United, and hired Lanier Landscaping to get this job done in one day. The project included tearing down and rebuilding a retaining wall, which was affecting the structure of the Diggs' home, removing and trimming overgrown and dead plants, and creating a low maintenance landscape with weed barrier and rock.

Help 94-year old World War II Marine Combat Veteran Larry Diggs

Added April 13, 2018

MarineParents.com needs your help raising $15,000 so we can restore the exterior of a 94-year old World War II Marine Combat Veteran's home. We have over 120 volunteers lined up to take on this work with a general contractor. This is an extreme restoration project that we'll power through in one day. You can be part of the success. Donate today.

Everything is in place to get the extreme restoration done on May 7, except the funds. Our volunteers are on board. Materials are ordered. Port-a-Potties are scheduled to be delivered. Camera crew is set up. Donated food is arranged. Donated transportation to the worksite is arranged. Let's get this Extreme Restoration done!

Share Your Knowledge and Experience

Added March 17, 2018

Last week, one of our Facebook volunteers, Nicole Edmundson, spoke at a poolee event in Rothschild, Wisconsin. She was able to share about the help and fellowship she experienced through MarineParents.com outreach services such as RecruitParents.com and Official MarineParents.com Facebook Groups. Nicole also handed MarineParents.com folders filled with our publications with information about boot camp, graduation, and becoming a MarineParent.

If you are interested in participating in a poolee event, please contact us at outreach@marineparents.com.

Spread the Word about MarineParents.com

Added March 17, 2018

If you're not a fan of public speaking, you can still spread awareness to other future Marine Parents, by ordering a Heads Up Kit. This kit includes a presentation kit for you to give to your local recruiter to share with them how Recruit Parents and Marine Parents has helped you on your journey. The recruiter will then be able to order their own Poolee Kit with folders and publications for poolee parents via return mail with the included postage paid envelope. To thank you for your time, we'll include a Marine Parents key chain and Parent Packet for you to keep.

Embracing all Stages of Marine Parents

Added March 16, 2018

The following was written by the founder and Executive Director of MarineParents.com, Inc., Tracy Della Vecchia, in August, 2016.

In 2003 I started MarineParents.com as a way to stay in touch with family members whose Marines were headed into combat with my Marine son. Each of our outreach programs mirrored my own son's journey through his Marine Corps career. As important as that was, it was even more important that I put my feet in the shoes of our Purple Heart families, our Gold Star families, our Combat Recovery and Post Traumatic Stress families, and our families reintegrating into civilian life. At the same time, it was critical that we provided support to the parents whose sons and daughters were new to the Marine Corps in boot camp, SOI and MOS schooling.

MarineParents.com Provides Disaster Relief to Two Families in Puerto Rico

Added February 1, 2018

We here at MarineParents.com have always been committed to helping those who sacrifice so much for us. When the series of devastating hurricanes began in the Atlantic and the Gulf in August 2017, MarineParents.com began a disaster relief fundraiser. We were able to raise $5,110 to help families who applied for assistance. This gave us the opportunity to provide disaster relief to two Marine families in Puerto Rico who were affected by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

Give a Warrior a Break - Super Bowl Style!

Added January 23, 2018

On our 15th anniversary of supporting Marines and their family members, we need YOUR help to raise $8,000. This is your opportunity to give wounded, ill, and injured warriors a sense of normalcy and a break from their day-to-day struggles with healing. On February 4th, we have been asked to host a 2018 Super Bowl party for 150 service members and their families at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. We need your help to fund the party.

15 Year Anniversary

Added January 18, 2018

We are pleased to announce that Sunday, January 21, 2018, is the 15th anniversary of the founding of MarineParents.com, Inc.

In the 15 years since Founder & Executive Director Tracy Della Vecchia began MarineParents.com in her home, much has changed with the organization. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is our dedication and commitment to supporting Marine family members through all stages of their Marine's career in the Corps and providing "a Place to Connect & Share"® for recruit and Marine family members.

Weather Effecting Boot Camp Start Dates

Added January 4, 2018

We understand there are some recruits that shipped to Parris Island to join Alpha Company on January 2, 2018. Some connecting flights were delayed and they are held up in hotels. There are questions of whether they will pick up with Echo Company on January 8, 2018. There are also concerns regarding female recruits who do not have another company picking up until January 16, 2018. We are working to obtain more information. Those recruits whose flights were delayed need to contact their recruiter for correct information. We urge everyone to not trust information on Facebook unless it comes from MCRD PI or MCCS.

Flights Grounded Due to Weather

Added January 4, 2018

We have received calls from parents of new Marines regarding their delayed flights due to bad weather. They are wanting to know how to inform their Marines that they will not make it to graduation with their flights being grounded. We are still working on obtaining more information, but for now parents should contact their son or daughter's recruiter.

Happy New Year

Added December 31, 2017

Happy New Year from MarineParents.com! Nothing we do would be possible without you, and we truly appreciate all that you do on behalf of our organization and on behalf of our men and women in uniform.

Make Your Year-End Donation to Wounded and Recovering Warriors

Added December 28, 2017

Midnight December 31st is the deadline for charitable donations to be deducted from your 2017 Federal Income Tax Return. Please consider making your donation to Marine Parents. Donate online and help us start the new year in the best way possible: in support of our Marines and their families at home!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Added December 25, 2017

As 2017 comes to an end, we'd like to wish the Marine Parents family a happy holiday season and a Merry Christmas. Nothing we do would be possible without you, and we truly appreciate all that you do on behalf of our organization and on behalf of our men and women in uniform. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for some of the work you helped us accomplish with our outreach programs this year.

Help Us Reach $10,000 on Giving Tuesday

Added November 28, 2017

In November we have one day for giving thanks, two for getting deals, and now we have a day to give back. Be a part of this global celebration of generosity and giving back by joining Marine Parents on November 28 as we make it a happy holiday season for our Marines.

This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for YOU

Added November 23, 2017

The holiday season is officially upon us, and we'd like to begin it by wishing the Marine Parents family a Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you enjoy this special time of year with your family, friends, and loved ones. For those of you who won't be able to celebrate the holiday with your Marine this year, we want you to know that we appreciate the sacrifice your Marine and family are making on our behalf. We would also like to take this time to say how thankful we are for you supporting our outreach.

We are thankful for you reading our newsletters, for spreading awareness of our outreach programs, and for donating to our fundraisers. We are thankful for you telling us about the needs of Marines and their family members. We are thankful that, because of you, we are able to help these families in need.

Thank You, Veterans!

Added November 11, 2017

Today, November 11, is Veterans Day and here at Marine Parents, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of America's veterans, past and present, for the sacrifices they've made on behalf of a grateful nation.

While MarineParents.com, Inc. may not be as large as some of the other military-based organizations you may be familiar with, what we lack in size, we make up for in consistency. For almost 15 years now, we've made it our mission to provide support, information, and services to our men and women in uniform, as well as their family members.

Happy Birthday Marines!

Added November 10, 2017

Today, November 10, marks the 242nd birthday of the Marine Corps and tomorrow, November 11, is Veterans' Day. Generations of heroic men and women have sacrificed their time, their energy, their comfort, and, in many cases, their lives to protect the freedom we as Americans value so dearly.

With that in mind, we at Marine Parents would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" to our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future. Happy Birthday Marines!

NEW: Fourth Phase of Boot Camp

Recruits will first take part in an additional period of training, known as fourth phase, beginning in November on a trial basis. The fourth phase will be fully implemented in February of 2018.

This new phase will revolve around mentorship training between the Drill Instructors and their new Marines. The modifications will move the Crucible up one week to allow for a full two weeks of mentoring. The extra mentoring time seems to be an extension of Marine Leader Development (MLD), which was released by The Commandant General Neller on July 28, 2017, in an effort to help Marines achieve personal and professional success.

OPSEC Videos

Added September 30, 2017

We created a seven part video series to inform Marine families of the importance of OPSEC. Our philosophy at Marine Parents in regards to OPSEC is considered more strict than the Marine Corps'. This is to ensure our members are only sharing "need to know" information. If our members stay within our guidelines for OPSEC, they will stay within the Marine Corps guidelines as well.

How September 11 Led to the Foundation of MarineParents.com, Inc.

Added September 11, 2017

September 11 marks the anniversary of the single largest loss of life from a foreign attack on American soil, ever. Almost 3,000 people lost their lives on that Tuesday morning, and almost 7,000 brave Americans have sacrificed everything in the resultant military operations.

Rarely does an event have such wide-reaching and impactful consequences, but no one in our country was able to escape September 11, 2001 unscathed in some way. In the 16 years since, we have become more acutely aware of our place in the world and of the fact that many people want to cause us harm solely for being American. We've changed how we view the world and how the world views us. Ensuring our national security became a national obsession (and for good reason) and saw our military engage in conflicts in two countries, first in Afghanistan, and then in Iraq, in an effort to do just that. In short, September 11 upset the balance of the country in a way not seen in decades.

Brochures Available in Spanish

Added May 24, 2017

The Recruit Parents Brochure is now available in Spanish! One of our volunteers, Aurora Ayon, translated this publication for us so that we could print them and distribute them to Marine Corps Recruiting Stations across the country. We are so thankful for Aurora's hard work not only on this publication, but also with her work on translating many pages of our website, and working in our Official MarineParents.com Spanish speaking groups. It is because of Aurora's dedication as a volunteer that we are now able to reach more future Marine families and provide them the resources they need.

If you would like a Recruit Parents Spanish Brochure email us at mp@MarineParents.com or call the corporate office at 573-449-2003.

Wounded Marine Handcrafts Marine Mom Necklace

When the EGA Shop first revealed the Marine's Heart Pendant necklace and announced that it was handcrafted by Marine Corps veterans, the unique piece of jewelry gained significant attention.

Randy served on active duty from 1968 - 1972 and leads the business on a daily basis, providing instruction and direction for the apprenticeship program. He's a master jeweler and brings over 35 years of custom fine jewelry experience to assist in all steps from design to presentation.

May is Military Appreciation Month!

Added May 1, 2017

In 1999, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution designating May as National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM). NMAM began as a simple idea - to honor, remember, recognize, and appreciate those who serve and have served our great nation.

Thank You to our Volunteers - From the Founder

Added April 25, 2017

This year, National Volunteer Week is April 23-29, 2017. The founder of MarineParents.com, Tracy Della Vecchia, would like to take this time to recognize and thank our volunteers for their service in 2016.

Dear Volunteers,

Every year MarineParents.com spends a week in April recognizing and sharing our appreciation of our volunteers with the organization's members and readers. This year, our appreciation of volunteers will reach over 120,000 households. There were 42,876 total volunteer hours dedicated to the organization's mission in 2016. That is truly inspiring!

Marine Parents Celebrates 14 Years of Service

Added January 21, 2017

We are pleased to announce that January 21, 2017, marks the 14th anniversary of the founding of MarineParents.com, Inc.

In the 14 years since Founder & Executive Director Tracy Della Vecchia began MarineParents.com in her home, much has changed with the organization. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is our dedication and commitment to supporting Marines through all stages of their career in the Corps and providing "a Place to Connect & Share"® for recruit and Marine families.

Merry Christmas from MarineParents.com

Added December 25, 2016

As 2016 comes to an end, we'd like to wish the Marine Parents family a happy holiday season. Nothing we do would be possible without you, and we truly appreciate all that you do on behalf of our organization and on behalf of our men and women in uniform. Your unwavering support is the reason Marine Parents has been around for almost 14 years, and we look forward to seeing what 2017 has in store!

The 2016 Marine Corps Birthday Message

Added October 20, 2016

In 1921, the thirteenth Commandant of the Marine Corps, Major General John A. Lejeune, issued Marine Corps Order No. 47. This order summarized the history, mission, and traditions of the Marine Corps and was to be read to all Marine commands throughout the world each year on the 10th of November. It is now referred to as the "Marine Corps Birthday Message", and it is issued by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

In this year's birthday message, Marine Corps Commandant Robert Neller and Sergeant Major Ronald Green stresses the notion of the Marine Corps being a team and encourages Marines to watch out for each other, even after they leave active service.

Hurricane Evacuation Update

This week's graduation of Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, and Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, October 14.

Family Day activities scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday are cancelled.

Visitors will not be able to access Parris Island until 8 a.m. Friday.

Clean up and recovery efforts continue both on the depot and in the local community. Visitors with lodging reservations in the local community should contact the respective establishment and confirm those reservations.

Hurricane Evacuation Information

Added October 6, 2016

Approximately 6,000 recruits from MCRD Parris Island were evacuated to Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia on the evening of October 5, 2016 due to incliment weather from Hurricane Matthew. Recruit training will resume when conditions for safe travel to Parris Island can be met and recruit training can be properly conducted. Click on the link below to watch a video released by the Defense Video Imagery Distribution System discussing the evacuation.

Hurricane Evacuation Information

Added October 6, 2016

As of the evening of October 4, Brigadier General Austin E. Renforth, Commanding General of MCRDPI, has issued an evacuation of all non-essential Department of Defense personnel aboard Parris Island due to inclement weather expected from Hurricane Matthew.

*Image info: A campaign cover, dog tags and two awards lay on a table at a memorial service for Sergeant Michael A. Tooley at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, August 24,2016. Tooley was born August 7, 1987, in Suffolk, Virginia, and enlisted in the Marine Corps on August 22, 2005.
(USMC photo by Lance Corporal Anthony X. Leite).

Sergeant Michael A. Tooley Memorial Service

Added August 26, 2016

On Wednesday, August 24, Marines, family members, and friends paid their respects at the memorial service of Sergeant Michael A. Tooley. Tooley was attending a professional military education course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune when he was struck and killed by a vehicle.

"Now is not the time to question the hand of God or the whims of fate," said Lieutenant Colonel, Tracy Perry, commanding officer, Support Battalion, MCRD San Diego, during the ceremony. "Now is the time to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a country where families produce men of Michael's caliber, and it is a testament of the fine men and women who join the Marine Corps today."

MCRD San Diego Announces Graduation Date Change

Added August 17, 2016

MCRD San Diego has announced that 2nd Battalion, Hotel Company, originally scheduled to graduate on November 10, 2016, is now scheduled to graduate one day earlier, on November 9. This change has been made so graduation ceremonies won't interfere with the Marine Corps' birthday, which occurs on November 10.

November 10 is the Marine Corps' Birthday

Added August 11, 2016

With the dog days of summer upon us, it's time to start looking forward to autumn.

The Marine Corps' birthday is a day of pride and respect, and its celebration is one of the most revered traditions in the Corps. Each year, on November 10th, Marines around the world celebrate what they see as their "second" birthday, the day the United States Marine Corps was born.

The tradition runs deep. For years, Marines have been telling each other "Happy Birthday" on November 10th and attending Marine Corps Birthday Balls in cities across the globe. Each year, the Commandant of the Corps reads his "Birthday Message" to all Marines, and they "...reflect upon the legacy of [the] Corps and upon the awesome responsibilities lying ahead." (Warrior Culture of the U.S. Marines by Marion F. Sturkey)

Team Marine Parents Participants Need Your Help!

Added August 4, 2016

With August now upon us, the 2016 Marine Corps Marathon is less than three months away

While many members of Team Marine Parents have reached their fundraising goals, there are still a number of team members working toward reaching fundraising goals of $500 to qualify for their bib for the Marine Corps Marathon.

The team members who are still trying to reach their fundraising goals of $500 only have until TOMORROW to do so, and they need your help!

With your kindness and generosity, we know these team members can reach their respective goals.

Whether it's $5, $10, or more, every bit helps, and 100% of your donations will go back to funding the outreach programs of MarineParents.com!

Marine Parents Volunteers Help Others Navigate the Recruit Process

Added June 30, 2016

Recently, two proud Marine mothers and Marine Parents volunteers from Illinois, Beth Bowles and Marnie Stroud, joined forces with Staff Sergeant Derek Meyers at their local Marine recruiting office to help other parents understand what happens once a recruit signs up.

"Family members have a lot of questions they don't know where to go to get answers to," Stroud said. "Can we send the recruits things when they are in training? Can we call them? What happens if they get sick? How do we contact them in an emergency?"

According to Bowles, "It makes the knowledge and experiences of other parents who have been through the process available to others."

"We want to make sure the Marine Corps is the right choice for the enlistee," Staff Sergeant Myers said. "The Delayed Entry Program is a period from 30 days up to a year where we verify the recruit's commitment is real."

Happy Memorial Day

Added May 26, 2016

Today is Memorial Day--a day for reflection, remembrance, and the honoring of the men and women who have served our country over the years.

While MarineParents.com, Inc. may not be as large as some of the other military-based organizations you may be familiar with, what we lack in size, we make up for in consistency. For more than 13 years now, we've made it our mission to provide support, information, and services to our men and women in uniform, as well as their family members.

When American troops first entered Iraq in 2003, we were there. When the government shutdown in 2013 and military families temporarily weren't receiving death benefits, we were there. In the 10-year interim between those events, and in the three years since the shutdown, we've been there, providing several million dollars in direct support of thousands of Marines and their family members.

Whether it's been serving meals to recovering warriors, providing financial assistance to military families, or helping troops and their family members through difficult times in other ways, we're here. Day in and day out, we're doing everything in our power to support our men and women in uniform and their family members.

Marine Corps News: Corps Approves First Women for Infantry Positions

Marine Corps officials announced this week that later this year, the Corps will be getting its first female rifleman and machine gunner.

The two female enlisted Marines made lateral move requests to infantry jobs that have been approved, said Marine Corps spokesman Captain Philip Kulczewski.

The Marine who applied to be an 0311 rifleman is a Lance Corporal while the rank of the Marine approved to be an 0331 machine gunner is not yet clear.

The Marines who applied for infantry jobs are part of a group of 233 women who were granted infantry military occupational specialties earlier this year after passing the Corps' enlisted infantry training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. While all of the 233 women are eligible to apply for infantry jobs, only these two Marines have done so to thus far.

May is Military Appreciation Month!

Added May 5, 2016

In 1999, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution designating May as National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM). NMAM began as a simple idea - to honor, remember, recognize, and appreciate those who serve and have served our great nation.

The first legislation for National Military Appreciation Month (S.Res 33) began in 1999 with the support and sponsorship of Senator John McCain, (R-AZ) and Representative Duncan Hunter, (R-CA) of San Diego, along with over 50 veteran service organizations. In 2004, more comprehensive legislation was passed by unanimous consent in both Houses of Congress, as H. Con. Res. 328 solidified May as National Military Appreciation Month. It also calls for the President of the United States to issue an annual proclamation calling on Americans to recognize this month through a number of ceremonies and events.

May 6 is Military Spouses Day!

Added May 5, 2016

In 1984, then-President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 23, 1984 as "Military Spouse Day." Each year since, the Friday before Mother's Day has been recognized as Military Spouse Day, a day to honor the commitment and sacrifices made on a daily basis by those who have a spouse in the military.

This year, Military Spouses day is this Friday, May 6. We encourage you to thank a military spouse or spouses for the support they provide to our service members. While military life is never easy, having a strong, caring supporter at home can help ease the uncertainty that often goes with it.

For the 15th time, Representative Walter Jones of North Carolina is attempting to convince Congress to redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.

The resolution is included in a draft of the annual defense authorization bill that was approved by the House Armed Services Committee last week. The resolution has made it this far every year since 2001, but it has yet to make it through the House and Senate.

Jones says he is "cautiously optimistic" his resolution will make it through this year, but he's prepared to try again next year if it doesn't.

"I have long been an advocate of giving the Marine Corps the recognition it deserves as one of the official branches of the military," said Jones. "I plan to keep fighting like a bulldog."

Help Us Set the Table for Recovering Warriors!

Added April 28, 2016

"All great change in America begins at the dinner table."

The aforementioned quote was uttered by former president Ronald Reagan during his farewell address, delivered on January 11, 1989, from the Oval Office. Here at Marine Parents, we think these words are just as relevant today as they were more than two-and-a-half decades ago. With that sentiment in mind, we need your help raising $4,000 each month to help our Warrior Support Team continue serving dinners to recovering warriors.

While serving dinners may seem like a small thing, they are loved by the men and women who attend them. And we need your help to ensure that they continue.

Marine Corps News: Foreign-Born Marines Gain Citizenship

Added April 28, 2016

Earning the title of "Marine" isn't something limited to American-born individuals. Every year, men and women from around the world join the Marine Corps with the goal of not only protecting our country at home and abroad, but also to earn the rights and privileges of American citizenship.

Last week, 11 new Marines took the Oath of Allegiance and became naturalized U.S. citizens in a ceremony at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. "United States citizenship is the greatest honor we grant," said Wendy Wilcox of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. "For these Marines, today's naturalization ceremony represents their final step in their journey to American citizenship. Their path to citizenship is especially remarkable because they first pledge themselves to support and defend the United States before choosing to become American citizens."

Share Your Knowledge and Experience

Added April 15, 2016

We would like to encourage you to contact your son or daughter's recruiter to see if they would like you to share some words about the help and fellowship you've experienced through MarineParents.com outreach services such as RecruitParents.com, Official MarineParents.com Facebook Groups, and Marine Family Network. If you're not too fond of speaking in front of others, perhaps you can offer to sit at an exhibit table with brochures and information to help lead the way to MarineParents.com, a source of support in this journey.

To help facilitate this sharing of information, we've put together the "Corps Kit," an informational presentation kit that outlines the services provided by MarineParents.com and RecruitParents.com. We offer two different kits. The first kit is our Corps Kit™: Poolee Presentation Kit is intended for use on a display table during Parents and Poolees functions put on by your local Marine Corps recruiting office. This kit is for distribution to Marine Corps Recruiters only.

Marine Corps News: Men and Women Must Meet Same Standards for Combat Jobs

Added April 14, 2016

Marine Corps officials recently announced that male and female Marines must meet the same physical standards to be assigned to load-bearing units, such as infantry battalions, combat engineer companies, and Raider companies, according to Yvonne Carlock, a spokeswoman for the Marine Corps' Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Previously, the Marine Corps had separate assignment policies for men and women, and this new administrative message does not apply to lateral moves into ground combat military occupational specialties.

Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week!

Added April 7, 2016

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and, more specifically, April 10-16 is 2016's Volunteer Appreciation Week. To mark the occasion, organizations across the country are committed to recognizing the hard work and dedication of those who volunteer on their behalves, and Marine Parents would like to do the same.

Our organization could not exist if it were not for the contributions of hundreds of parents around the United States. Our volunteers have taken that one step further and contribute endless hours answering emails, moderating our social media groups, researching information, and supporting the parents, spouses, family and friends of our United States Marines. The dedication to the Marine Corps from each of these individuals benefits thousands of families around the world.

2016 TMP Registration is Now Open

Added April 7, 2016

2016 Registration for Team Marine Parents is now open! Raising awareness and funds for a grassroots organization starts on a grassroots level; it starts with YOU. If you enjoy running or competing in athletic events, encouraging communities to engage in troop support activities, and raising money for a good cause, then TMP is a great fit for you.

Also, if you are planning on running the 41st Marine Corps Marathon, consider running with TMP. We only have 30 charity partner bibs remaining, so if you didn't make it in through the lottery, join the team and get your bib today!

In April of 1943, with the world at war for the second time in less than three decades, Thomas Ivan Henderson, an 18-year-old from Kankakee, Illinois, was notified that he had been drafted into the military and would soon be heading off to war. Henderson, a high school senior at the time, was on his way to the draft board to try to convince the members to let him finish high school before shipping out when he saw a life-size cardboard "cutout" of a Marine non-commissioned officer in a crisp "dress blue" uniform in the window of the local Montgomery Ward store encouraging eligible young men to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. "That blue uniform really looked nice," Henderson recalled. "Maybe I [could] impress my girlfriend when I [wore] it."

April is the Month of the Military Child

Added April 7, 2016

Established in 1986 by then-Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, April is the Month of the Military Child.

Marine Parents would like to take this opportunity to recognize the sacrifices and support of the approximately 2 million U.S. military children 18 years old and younger who have one or both parents serving in the armed forces.

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month

Added April 7, 2016

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. To mark the occasion, organizations across the country are committed to recognizing the hard work and dedication of those who volunteer on their behalves, and Marine Parents would like to do the same.

Our organization could not exist if it were not for the contributions of hundreds of parents around the United States. Our volunteers have taken that one step further and contribute endless hours answering emails, moderating our social media groups, researching information, and supporting the parents, spouses, family and friends of our United States Marines. The dedication to the Marine Corps from each of these individuals benefits thousands of families around the world.

Inside Parris Island

Added March 25, 2016

Behind the scenes of boot camp, there are Marines and sailors who support the drill instructors in their mission of transforming the country's best and brightest into Marines. Here's a closer look at one of them.

The monument is one of three one-third-sized models of the monument, which commemorates the raising of the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.

Sgt. Ross C. Kramer, a field training instructor with Weapons and Field Training Battalion, explains why he serves with pride. Click here to watch video.

(USMC Photos by Michael Kaneshige/released).

Marine Corps Battle Color Ceremony Tour Comes to Parris Island

Added March 22, 2016

The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and Silent Drill Platoon, both based at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., performed March 13, 2016, to an audience of more than 1,000 recruits, Marines, and civilians aboard Marine Corps Recruiting Depot Parris Island, S.C. The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps played a variety of modern and traditional marching music. The Silent Drill Platoon executed nearly 15 minutes of unique drill movements without verbal commands. The performance was part of the detachment's 2016 spring tour.

*Image info: The Iwo Jima Monument at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., is unveiled after months of extensive renovations, during a ceremony on the Peatross Parade Deck, on March 14, 2016.
(USMC photo by Michael Kaneshige/released).

Marine Corps News: Iwo Jima Monument at Parris Island Refurbished

Added March 17, 2016

This Monday, March 14, 2016, saw the unveiling of the refurbished Iwo Jima Monument at MCRD Parris Island during a ceremony on the Peatross Parade Deck.

The monument is one of three one-third-sized models of the monument, which commemorates the raising of the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.

The monument at Parris Island was dedicated in 1952, and this refurbishment will extend its life by at least 20 years. The renovations cost more than $450,000 and took 2,500 hours man-hours of work.

*Image info: (USMC photo by Staff Sgt. Greg Thomas/released).

Secretary of the Navy observes recruit training on Parris Island

Added March 8, 2016

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, center, speaks with Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Ronald Green, left, and 1st Lt. Terri L. Piekosz, a series commander with November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, March 3, 2016, on Parris Island, S.C. Mabus visited Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in order to see firsthand how young men and women from across the country are transformed into United States Marines. Recruit training was consolidated under Recruit Training Regiment in 1986, and since then, all those desiring to complete recruit training must follow the same training program of instruction, and must complete the same graduation requirements.

(MarineParents.com image).

Attend a Poolee Family Night on Our Behalf

Added March 3, 2016

The missions of Marine and Recruit Parents are two-prong—to provide support, information, and services to poolees, recruits, and Marines and their family members, as well as providing opportunities for the public to support our troops through the organization's outreach programs.

On Wednesday, February 17, 2016, MarineParents.com's Corporate Secretary, Marilyn Dilts, accomplished both parts of those missions by attending a poolee family night event in Lebanon, Missouri.

Marine Parents Celebrates 13 Years of Service

Added January 21, 2016

We are pleased to announce that Thursday, January 21, 2016, marks the 13th anniversary of the founding of MarineParents.com, Inc.

In the 13 years since Founder & Executive Director Tracy Della Vecchia began MarineParents.com in her home, much has changed with the organization. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is our dedication and commitment to supporting Marines through all stages of their career in the Corps and providing "a Place to Connect & Share"® for recruit and Marine families.

Parris Island Celebrates 240th Marine Corps Birthday

Added November 16, 2015

Last Wednesday, November 11, 2015, MCRD Parris Island held a special ceremony in honor of the 240th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps.

During the ceremony, the history of the Corps was celebrated, with Marines dressing up in various historical uniforms, dating back to the 1700s. There was also the traditional cutting of the cake, symbolizing the passing of knowledge from one generation of Marines to the next. Birthday celebrations will continue at MCRD Parris Island this week as well.

(USMC photo by Cpl. William Perkins/released).

Marine Corps News: Parris Island Marks Centennial

To mark the occasion, a flyover of approximately 600 new graduates of "Centennial" Charlie and Oscar companies was held last Friday, October 16, along with a speech by Commandant General Robert Neller.

Parris Island is Corps' second oldest post and continually operating recruit training installation, and approximately 19,000 recruits arrive each year, totaling more than one million Marine recruits over the last 100 years.

"Iron Mike" Rededication

Added October 15, 2015

October 15, 2015, saw Colonel John Peck, commanding officer of Headquarters and Service Battalion, rededicate the "Iron Mike" Monument as part of the centennial celebration on Parris Island, South Carolina. The monument was originally dedicated to the Marines who trained on Parris Island and later died in World War I. Iron Mike, also know as the Monument to U.S. Marines, has stood on Parris Island as a reminder of sacrifice and duty since 1924.

2016 Parris Island Graduation Dates Posted!

Added October 14, 2015We have extended our list of boot camp companies and graduations for Parris Island ship dates from November 2015 through July 2016. If your poolee is a few months away from shipping, join our poolee parent group. If your loved one is shipping to Parris Island soon, join the Official MarineParents.com Company Facebook group corresponding with their ship date.

2016 San Diego Graduation Dates Posted!

Added October 9, 2015We have extended our list of boot camp companies and graduations for San Diego ship dates from November 2015 through July 2016. If your poolee is a few months away from shipping, join our poolee parent group. If your loved one is shipping to San Diego soon, join the Official MarineParents.com Company Facebook group corresponding with their ship date.

ABOUT US

MarineParents.com, Inc., was founded nationally on January 21, 2003 to provide support, information, and services to Marines and their family members, and create opportunities for the public to support our troops through the organization's outreach programs. In over 15 years of service, Marine Parents has made a huge impact in support of Marines, military personnel, and their family members.

For those with a loved one in military service, you are not alone. You've found Marine Parents, a Place to Connect & Share®. We've been supporting Marines and their family members across the nation for more than 15 years.

Whether you need our support or you'd like to support others, you'll find what you're looking for with our outreach programs. Together, we support the troops and their family members. Hover over an icon to learn more; click an icon to go to the website.

is owned and operated by MarineParents.com. Purchase your Marine Corps clothing, recruit graduation items, and gifts where 100% of the proceeds support the outreach programs of the organization, an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity. The EGA Shop is an Official Marine Corps Trademark Licensee.

MarineParents.com, Inc., an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity eligible to receive tax deductible donations, was founded on January 21, 2003 to provide support, information, and services to Marines and their family members, and create opportunities for the public to support our troops through the organization's outreach programs.